Apache Trail Scenic Drive
A legendary 40-mile scenic drive through Arizona's Superstition Mountains, offering dramatic canyons, turquoise lakes, and historic charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Apache Trail Scenic Drive
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary 40-mile scenic drive through Arizona's Superstition Mountains, offering dramatic canyons, turquoise lakes, and historic charm.
"One of the most scenic drives in Arizona, offering breathtaking views and historic charm."
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle Recommended
While some drive it in regular cars, parts of the Apache Trail, especially Fish Creek Hill, are rough and best suited for high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles.
💧 Air Down Tires for Comfort
If driving on the dirt sections, airing down your tires slightly can make the washboard road much smoother.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fish Creek Hill
Apache Trail (SR 88)
A dramatic, winding descent with breathtaking canyon views. Requires high clearance/4x4 for the full experience.
Canyon Lake
Apache Trail (SR 88)
Sparkling turquoise waters set against rugged desert cliffs. Perfect for scenic overlooks and boat tours.
Tortilla Flat
Apache Trail (SR 88)
A historic, quirky former stagecoach stop with a unique saloon and gift shops. A charming break on the drive.
Goldfield Ghost Town
Apache Junction
Step back in time at this preserved ghost town with mine tours, saloons, and old-west charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Road Conditions Before You Go
Plan Your Route & Stops
Consider stops at Tortilla Flat and historic ghost towns. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle Recommended
While some drive it in regular cars, parts of the Apache Trail, especially Fish Creek Hill, are rough and best suited for high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles. +1
💧 Air Down Tires for Comfort
If driving on the dirt sections, airing down your tires slightly can make the washboard road much smoother.
📸 Capture Stunning Views
Pull over at designated overlooks to soak in the dramatic canyon walls and turquoise lakes. Don't miss Fish Creek Hill!
⛽ Fuel Up Before You Go
Gas stations are scarce along the trail. Fill your tank in Apache Junction or Gold Canyon before heading out.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle Recommended
While some drive it in regular cars, parts of the Apache Trail, especially Fish Creek Hill, are rough and best suited for high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles. +1
💧 Air Down Tires for Comfort
If driving on the dirt sections, airing down your tires slightly can make the washboard road much smoother.
📸 Capture Stunning Views
Pull over at designated overlooks to soak in the dramatic canyon walls and turquoise lakes. Don't miss Fish Creek Hill!
⛽ Fuel Up Before You Go
Gas stations are scarce along the trail. Fill your tank in Apache Junction or Gold Canyon before heading out.
🚫 Leave No Trace
Respect the natural beauty. Pack out everything you pack in, especially if visiting areas like Apache Falls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Apache Trail's breathtaking scenery and historic charm, calling it one of Arizona's most scenic drives. The dramatic canyons, sparkling lakes, and quirky stops like Tortilla Flat are major highlights. Some note that certain sections require high-clearance vehicles and can be rough, but many find the views well worth the effort.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Apache Trail (State Route 88) is about an hour's drive east of Phoenix. Head towards Apache Junction, and you'll find the start of the scenic byway.
Yes, the Apache Trail has been fully reopened after extensive repairs. You can now drive from Apache Junction all the way to Roosevelt Dam. +2
While the paved sections are accessible to all vehicles, the unpaved portions, particularly Fish Creek Hill, are rough and best suited for high-clearance vehicles or 4x4s. +1 Some have managed in sedans, but caution is advised.
You can still enjoy the stunning scenery by driving to Canyon Lake and turning back, or by taking a guided tour.
The Apache Trail Scenic Drive is officially State Route 88. It begins east of Apache Junction and winds through the Superstition Mountains. Many use maps of the Apache Trail Scenic Drive to plan their route. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no permit is required for the scenic drive itself. However, if you plan to hike to specific spots like Apache Falls, which is on native land, a permit might be necessary. Check with local authorities or gas stations like Carrizo Gas Station for details.
The Apache Trail Scenic Drive itself does not have an entrance fee. However, some attractions along the way, like boat tours on Canyon Lake, will have separate costs.
Attractions like Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat have their own operating hours, which can vary. It's best to check their individual websites or social media pages before your visit.
Yes, there are opportunities for camping within the Tonto National Forest along or near the Apache Trail. Popular areas include those around Roosevelt Lake and other dispersed camping spots.
The scenic overlooks along the Apache Trail are free to access. They are part of the public roadway and designated viewpoints.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key highlights include the dramatic Fish Creek Hill, the beautiful Canyon Lake, the historic Tortilla Flat, and the charming Goldfield Ghost Town.
Driving the entire 40-mile Apache Trail can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on how often you stop for photos and exploration.
Restroom facilities are limited. You'll find them in Tortilla Flat and at Goldfield Ghost Town. It's advisable to use facilities before you start your drive.
Keep an eye out for desert wildlife such as javelinas, coyotes, various birds of prey, and potentially desert bighorn sheep, especially in the more remote areas.
Absolutely! The Apache Trail offers incredible photographic opportunities with its dramatic landscapes, rugged canyons, and vibrant desert flora.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Tortilla Flat offers a unique dining experience at the Superstition Restaurant, famous for its prickly pear ice cream. Goldfield Ghost Town also has dining options. For other choices, consider stopping in Apache Junction before or after your drive.
While there aren't many designated picnic areas, you can find scenic spots to pull over and enjoy a packed lunch. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Tortilla Flat is known for its rustic charm and classic American fare. Don't miss trying their famous prickly pear ice cream!
Food options are limited directly on the trail. Tortilla Flat and Goldfield Ghost Town are your main stops for food. For more variety, explore Apache Junction.
Yes, it's highly recommended to bring plenty of snacks and water, especially if you plan to hike or spend extended time exploring. Services are sparse.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlooks along Fish Creek Hill offer dramatic canyon shots. Canyon Lake provides beautiful water and mountain vistas. Don't forget the historic charm of Tortilla Flat and Goldfield Ghost Town.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the desert colors.
Drone usage is subject to Tonto National Forest regulations. Always check current FAA and forest service rules before flying. Some areas may have restrictions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
The winding road itself, the dramatic drop-offs at Fish Creek Hill, the reflections on Canyon Lake, and the unique architecture of Tortilla Flat are all fantastic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure you pack plenty of snacks and water, as services are limited. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the full experience, but you can still enjoy much of the scenery with a standard car by focusing on the paved sections up to Canyon Lake. 🚗 Off-Road Enthusiasts
+1 Many off-roaders enjoy the challenge of the washboard roads and tight turns. Remember to air down your tires for a smoother ride and to check current trail conditions before heading out. The drive to Apache Falls also offers a more rugged adventure, though permits may be required. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 Utilize the golden hours for the best light and consider a drone for unique aerial perspectives (check regulations first). Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Apache Trail's Terrain
Recent improvements have made the entire 40-mile stretch fully accessible again, connecting Apache Junction to Roosevelt Dam.
Regardless of your vehicle, airing down tires slightly can significantly improve comfort on the washboard sections. Key Takeaways:
* Vehicle Choice: High-clearance or 4x4 recommended for the full experience, but parts are manageable with standard vehicles.
* Road Conditions: Expect paved sections and rough, unpaved, washboard dirt roads. Always check current conditions.
* Comfort: Airing down tires can make the drive smoother.
Historic Charm and Unique Stops
Further along, Goldfield Ghost Town offers a glimpse into the area's mining boom days. Here, you can explore old buildings, watch staged gunfights, and even take a mine tour.
Don't Miss:
* Tortilla Flat: Experience a historic stagecoach stop and try the prickly pear ice cream.
* Goldfield Ghost Town: Explore a preserved ghost town with old-west attractions.
* Local Lore: Chat with locals for stories about the trail's past.
Capturing the Apache Trail's Beauty
+1 The winding nature of the road itself, with its cliffside curves, adds a dynamic element to your photography. For the best photographic results, aim for the 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon. The soft, warm light at these times enhances the desert colors and creates beautiful shadows, making the landscapes truly pop.
Photography Tips:
* Best Light: Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for dramatic desert hues.
* Gear: Wide-angle lens for landscapes, telephoto for wildlife.
* Subjects: Canyons, lakes, winding roads, historic towns, desert flora.
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